Get packing!

STYLE FILE

June 27, 1999|By GAILOR LARGE | GAILOR LARGE,SPECIAL TO THE SUN

Have you ever arrived at your summer vacation destination only to find that all of your favorite outfits are miserably wrinkled and that you forgot to pack underwear altogether? While there may be no such thing as a perfect packing job, investing some extra thought into the process can help you travel light and still look outstanding.

Follow these 10 simple steps for foolproof packing this summer:

1. Start early. Beginning a few days before you leave, you will have time to remove unnecessary items as you go along.

2. Stick to the basics. Choose one or two neutral colors (black, khaki, navy, or white) as bases, and organize your packing from there.

3. Mix and match. Don't pack a pair of pants that can only be worn once with a certain outfit. Save them for when you get back.

4. Bring the classic sandal. A versatile sandal, one that can be worn on the beach and out to lunch, will serve you best.

6. Watch the little things. Accessories and smaller items can add up in your suitcase, so go easy. If someone else is packing a hair dryer, leave yours at home.

7. Be wrinkle-free. You can thank modern technology for allowing you to travel without your iron. Take advantage by investing in wrinkle-resistant fabrics like Tencel. Today they're stylish as well as practical.

8. Sarong it. Sarongs can double as skirts and beachwear, making them perfect for a summer vacation.

9. Gotta Have the T. A stylish white T-shirt is a must for summer travel. You can wear it under a suit or couple it with khakis for a more casual look.

10. Leave it at home. Don't pack something if you think there's only a slim chance that you'll wear it. We know it's hard, but grit your teeth and toss that second black skirt back into your drawer.

Short story

How short are you willing to go? Hems are rising this season, and we're not just talking capri pants. What's next now that the dog days are in full-swing?

All we have to say is firm up those thighs, ladies: Short shorts are storming the fashion world this summer. Wear them pocketed or with a drawstring, cuff them or leave them straight, look for them as outerwear, underwear ... even swimwear. So get into the spirit and shed your inhibitions. (The shorts below are from Contempo Casuals, $24.)

We give you permission to show a little leg.

Summer and Seventeen

If you're between the ages of 12 and 21, check out Seventeen magazine's July issue, where you'll have a chance to win one of three great summer trips. Enter for the chance to spend a day on the set of a Seventeen fashion shoot in New York, rock on with Sarah McLachlan at Lilith Fair in Denver, or take the plunge at Paskowitz Surf Camp in San Clemente, Calif. Get to the newsstand quick, though: The contest ends July 1.

No makeup meltdown

Don't let fear of smeared mascara strand you on the beach this summer. Estee Lauder's new Splash collection combines sun and water protection with great-looking makeup. From "Raincoat Waterproofing Topcoat" ($15) for lashes to Lauder's Quick Finish Nail Lacquer ($6, pictured in Beach White, Sunbleached and SandDune), you'll be set to weather even the harshest summer conditions and emerge looking great. If it's face protection that you're looking for, try Instant Cover Compact Sunblock with SPF 15 ($22.50) and Beachwear for Lips with SPF 10 ($15).

This summer, there's no reason to stay indoors. Available at area stores, including Nordstrom, Hecht's, Macy's and Lord & Taylor.